TMCHAPTER 7RAIL TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE55-2350-262-14Section I.7-1. ScopeThis chapter provides rail transportability guid-ance for movement of the M9 ACE. It coverstechnical and physical characteristics and safetyconcerns and prescribes the materials and guid-ance required to prepare, load, tie down, andunload the vehicle.7-3. GeneralThe transportabilitysection is applicableSection Il. TRANSPORTguidance contained in thiswhen the vehicle is trans-ported on CONUS railways. Consideration is givento single and multiple movements of this vehicleby the types of flatcars normally used. The vehicle,when loaded on a suitable flatcar, can be trans-ported without sectionalization or major disassem-bly.7-4. Preparation for LoadingThe dozer blade side extensions must be removedto reduce the width of the vehicle. The operatorsenclosure and engine exhaustremoved to reduce the height.7-5. Loading of the M9General-Purpose Flatcarsstacks must beACE ona. A crane may place the vehicle in the tiedownposition on the railcar, approximately centered, orthe vehicle may be driven or towed aboard if asuitable ramp or bridge is available. When thevehicle is loaded by crane, the procedures andprecautions outlined in paragraph 64b will beobserved. Once the vehicle is loaded on the railcar,but before it is tied down, relieve the hydraulicpressure to allow the vehicle to settle.b. Typical loading diagrams of an M9 ACE on ageneral-purpose flatcar with a minimum width ofGENERAL7-2. Maximum Utilization ofRailcarsAdditional cargo, as approved by the activityoffering the items for transport, may be trans-ported with the vehicle. The minimum width ofthe railcar should be 10 feet 4 inches.ON CONUS RAILWAYS10 feet 4 inches are shown in figures 71 through73. The type of blocking and tiedown depicted iscompatible with standard loading practices andprovides adequate restraint against the forces en-countered during movements at normal speeds.c. Table 7-1 is the bill of materials for blockingand tiedown of an M9 ACE. Table 72 providesdata for the application of materials required torestrain the vehicle.NOTEThe parking brake must be settransmission placed in neutral.General Instructionsand theLoading rules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 19,and 19A, appearing in section 1 of the GeneralRules Governing the Loading of Commodities onOpen-Top Cars, published by the Association ofAmerican Railroads, provide applicable guidelinesand are mandatory in application.7-6. Transport of the M9 ACE on54-foot DODX Flatcarsa. The procedures in paragraphs 74 and 75apply.b. When two vehicles are transported on a54-foot DODX flatcar, the vehicles should bespaced to permit the correct blocking and bracingof each vehicle. (figs 71 through 7-3 and tables7-1 and 7-2).Section Ill. TRANSPORT ON FOREIGN RAILWAYS7-7. Generalby the types of flatcars normally used. Whenloaded on a proper flatcar in reduced configurationThe transportability guidance contained in this(para 7-4), the vehicle is suitable for generallysection is applicable when the M9 ACE is trans-unrestricted rail movement throughout Europeported on foreign railways. Consideration is givenand also in all countries worldwide that useto single and multiple movements of this vehiclestandard- or wide-gauge track. The vehicle is7-1